METHYLTHIOURACIL Meaning and
Definition
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Methylthiouracil is a noun that refers to a synthetic drug used primarily in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, a condition in which an overactive thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone.
The term "methylthiouracil" is derived from its chemical composition, which includes a methyl group attached to a thiouracil molecule. Thiouracil is a chemical compound composed of a uracil molecule, a naturally occurring pyrimidine base found in RNA, and a sulfur atom.
When administered orally, methylthiouracil acts as an antithyroid agent, meaning it works to reduce the production of thyroid hormones. It achieves this by interfering with the activity of the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, which plays a crucial role in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. By inhibiting this enzyme, methylthiouracil limits the production of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), the two primary hormones secreted by the thyroid gland.
Methylthiouracil is also known by its generic name, thiamazole, and is available in tablet form for oral administration. It is typically prescribed by medical professionals to alleviate the symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism, such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, tremors, and heat intolerance.
It is important to note that methylthiouracil should only be used under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional, as improper use or dosage may lead to adverse effects or interactions with other medications.
Common Misspellings for METHYLTHIOURACIL
- nethylthiouracil
- kethylthiouracil
- jethylthiouracil
- mwthylthiouracil
- msthylthiouracil
- mdthylthiouracil
- mrthylthiouracil
- m4thylthiouracil
- m3thylthiouracil
- merhylthiouracil
- mefhylthiouracil
- meghylthiouracil
- meyhylthiouracil
- me6hylthiouracil
- me5hylthiouracil
- metgylthiouracil
- metbylthiouracil
- metnylthiouracil
- metjylthiouracil
- metuylthiouracil
Etymology of METHYLTHIOURACIL
The word "Methylthiouracil" has a scientific etymology. It is composed of three parts: "methyl", "thio", and "uracil".
1. "Methyl" refers to the methyl group (-CH3), which is a carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms. In this case, it indicates the presence of this methyl group in the compound.
2. "Thio" is derived from the Greek word "theio", meaning "sulfur". When combined with a word, it signifies the presence of a sulfur atom in the compound.
3. "Uracil" refers to one of the five nucleotide bases found in RNA. It is a pyrimidine derivative and plays an important role in genetic coding.
